John Wolcott,
Honored by the New York State Assembly
Wants to see More Preservation

{Author}

Jack McEneny, NYS Assemblyman, was Save the Pine BushÕs special
guest at the July dinner. One of his jobs is to sponsor privileged
resolutions of the Assembly. He had never read a special resolution
before, but tonight, he was going to read one that the Assembly
passed on June 20, 2001 to honor John Wolcott. Jack said that
he was amazed that this resolution was passed 31 days ago, and
that John did not know about it yet! Jack said honoring John
was long over-due and that sponsoring this legislation was one
of the best things he had ever done.

John Wolcott received not one, but two standing ovations,
one before Jack read the resolution and one after.

The Honorable Jack McEneny read the resolution in its entirety
for us:

Honoring John R. Wolcott for His Leadership, Activism and Resolute
Devotion to the City of Albany

WHEREAS, From time to time this Assembled Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for
their valued contributions to the success and progress of society,
and publicly acknowledges their endeavors which have enhanced
the basic humanity of us all; and

WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons
and organizations that provide exemplary service, whether through
participation in voluntary programs, through unique personal
achievement in their profession or other endeavors, or simply
though a lifetime of good citizenry; and

WHEREAS, This Assembled Body has recognized the many accomplishments
of John R. Wolcott, especially for his unmatched dedication
in preserving the environment and history of the City of Albany,
New York; and

WHEREAS, We recognize that his many years of directing attention
to the importance of preserving the history and environment
of the City has culminated in the implementation of numerous
preservation efforts throughout the City of Albany, New York;
and

WHEREAS, As a special friend of the City, he has displayed
a willingness to work tirelessly for the environment, especially
for the Pine Bush area, which has made him a role model for
all those interested in saving our natural resources; and

WHEREAS, His advocacy for the preservation of historic architecture
and historic sites, especially those of Dutch origin, coupled
with his tireless diligence in supporting the exploration of
archeological remains and their preservation, deserve a salute
from this Assembled Body; and

WHEREAS, John R. Wolcott also deserves applause for his meticulous
research regarding the early history of Fort Orange, Beverwyck
and the City of Albany; his uncompromising advocacy for the
preservation of the natural and human history of Albany, New
York has allowed us to recover many aspects of the history of
the City of Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, John R. Wolcott's distinguished record merits the
recognition and respectful tribute of this Assembled Body; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations
to honor John R. Wolcott for his leadership, activism and resolute
devotion to the City of Albany, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed,
be transmitted to John R. Wolcott.

In articles written in the local papers about his award, John
did not focus on the award, but spoke passionately about preserving
another rum distillery he believes is buried near Quackenbush
Square. John was one of the founders of Save the Pine Bush,
and has contributed thousands of hours of work and effort towards
Pine Bush preservation. His ideas and work have sparked the
preservation of hundreds of acres of Pine Bush. He richly deserves
this award.